Crane lifts Black and Ambers to victory

Premiership Cup

By IOAN DYER

Newport……………….27

Pontypridd……………11

PONTYPRIDD suffered a surprise defeat at Newport as Black and Ambers scrum-half Luke Crane starred with two tries.

Newport led 14-6 at half-time against the odds.

Bradley Roderick made an impressive start for the visitors with some powerful running and Ben Burnell gave Pontypridd the lead with a penalty in the 16th minute.

But Newport hit back through Crane, who scored a terrific try with a darting run which left the away defence all at sea. Will Reed converted.

Burnell booted a second penalty in the 24th minute and Reed missed with a penalty attempt before Crane made it two for the afternoon. Reed added the extras.

Burnell missed a penalty attempt to narrow Pontypridd’s gap before the break.

Referee Jason Bessant had to be replaced by one of his assistants for the start of the second half after pulling a muscle. Pontypridd players filled in to cover the touchline.

Reed missed another kick at goal but he finally got his radar working to make it 17-6.

The visitors needed to do something quickly and wing Dale Stuckey pounced in the corner.

But a late converted try from Josh Skinner made the game safe.

Star man

Luke Crane – Newport